. >> reporter: house majority leader john boehner and senate minority leader mitch mcconnell were at the capital today hoping to beat the deadline to the looming "fiscal cliff." behind closed doors, senate leaders are cobbling together a pared down agreement that at least protects the middle class from tax increases come january 1. the bill won't address the trillions in deficit reduction, sweeping reforms and federal spending, the u.s. tax code, or stop across-the-board spending cuts. in both parties' weekly addresses, it's clear a big sticking point remains. >> it's a balanced plan one that would protect the middle class, cut spending in a responsible way, and ask the wealthiest americans to pay a little more. >> the president's tax hike would only fund the government for eight days. americans deserve to know what is the president proposing we do for the other 357 days of the year. >> reporter: both the house and the senate will be in session tomorrow. the senate is expected to take the lead and vote on the scaled- back bill then send it to the house. as many americans brace for th